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Fundamentals of Economic Development

Thank you for your interest in the Fundamentals of Economic Development Chancellor’s Certificate program.   2024 program will run on Thursdays, March 14 - April 25.  

Economic Development is key to regional success. This Chancellor's Certificate program, Fundamentals of Economic Development, covers introductory economic and community development concepts and tools to attract, assess, and support development and redevelopment opportunities in our communities. Course modules will lead participants through the steps necessary to develop and implement economic development plans and projects.

This introductory program is designed for:

  • Public sector economic development commissioners and staff
  • Special taxing district commissioners and staff
  • Elected officials
  • Community Development Corporation board members and staff
  • Private sector specialists
  • Citizens and students interested in economic/community development

When: Thursday, March 14 to April 25 from 6-9 p.m. You may sign up for entire course or individual modules. Download a PDF brochure of the entire program. 

Where:  UMSL at Grand Center, 3651 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63018 and on-site at specific development sites (see indiviudal modules for other location details).  

Registration Fee: $450 for the Entire Session of 7 modules, or $75 for individual modules. 

Click here to Register  

Instructors: Course instructors are senior economic development professionals working in Missouri and Illinois, representing nonprofit, public, and private perspectives.

Partnership: The course is offered by the UMSL Public Policy Administration program and the Urban Land Institute–St. Louis.

Chancellor's Certificate: Earn a noncredit UMSL Chancellor's Certificate in Fundamentals of Economic Development by completing six of the seven modules in this year's program. Please note, hours from this course WILL NOT carry over to next year's program. To receive the chancellor's certificate, you MUST attend at least six modules during this session. 

Cancellation policy

Registration Information:

Click below to register for the Entire Course or to register for individual modules click on the Module Number under Module Descriptions.  To register by phone call (314) 516-8419. Questions call (314) 516-5353. 

Entire Course | March 14 to April 25 | Fundamentals of Economic Development

Module Descriptions:

Module 1 | March 14 | Economic Development - A Public Perspective 
Learn about the role of local government in economic development and discuss the necessary conditions to foster a successful business climate. Consider the many facets of economic development and how they relate to different sectors and stakeholders.
Instructors: Amy Hamilton, City Manager, City of Richmond Heights, MO;
Julianne Stone, Adjunct Faculty, UMSL Public Policy Administration

Module 2 | March 21 | Regional Assets Driving Economic Development  
Discuss how a coordinated approach and intergovernmental collaboration can positively impact and protect economic development efforts at the local level.  What is the role of regional agencies and how do these agencies impact local economies?
Panelists: Susan Trautman, Chief Executive Officer, Great Rivers Greenway; Tom Blair, St. Louis District Engineer, MoDOT; Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President, Multi-Modal Enterprises, Bi-State Development

Module 3 | March 28 | Perspectives on Economic Development Planning
Discuss an ecnomic development planning approach that includes market context analysis, stakeholder involvement, and local government roles.  We will consider the planning process from a variety of angles including, city, county, and chamber perspectives.
Instructor: David Leezer, Assistant City Manager - Economic Development, City of Hazelwood, MO

Module 4 | April 4 | The Intersection of Community and Business
Explore the connections between community development and economic development.  Discuss the importance of place-making, infrastructure, and comprehensive planning for attracting residents, workers, and businesses.  Understand the role of community-based organizations in supporting neighborhood economic development.  
Instructors: Matt Wetli,
Principal, Development Strategies; 
Paul Woodruff,
Vice Preseident of Community Development, St. Louis Community Credit Union

Module 5 | April 11 | Where the Rubber Meets the Road - Understanding the Developer's Perspective
The plan is in place.  What's next?  Understand the basics of the development process and the numbers that make the deal work, including the language of dvelopers and contractors and the expectations of those with whom you are doing business.
Instructor:  John Langa, 
Vice President, Economic Development, Bi-State Development

Module 6 | April 18 | Business Attraction - Tools for Site Selection & Marketing Your Community
Consider your community from a business' perspective.  Discuss the assets that allow the region to compete nationally.  What work still needs to be done on marketing your community to those interested in locating here or expanding their presence?  
Instructors:  Cara Weber,
Vice President, Business Recruitment, Missouri Partnership;

Module 7 | April 25 | Isn't It DivINe?
Field Trip:  The project maximizes the efficiency effectiveness, and impact of the nonprofit sector while simultaneously being a catalyst for the transformation of neighborhoods in North St. Louis city.  In partnership with neighborhood stakeholders, Delmar DivINe is beginning to replace decades of neglect with development and sustainability.  
Instructor: Maxine Clark, Chief Inspirator, Delmar DivINe

Location:  Delmar DivINe, 5501 Delmar Blvd., 63112

Cancellation policy: For those who register for the Entire Session, cancellations received five business days prior to the first date of the program will be refunded, less a $25 processing fee. For those who register for Individual Modules, cancellations received five business days prior to the date of the module that you wish to cancel will be refunded, less a $25 processing fee.

Unless you cancel as per the guidelines noted above, even if you do not attend class, you will be billed for the registration fee once you register.

Payment Due: For those registering for the Entire Session, if payment is not received at least two days before the first class, we reserve the right to cancel your registration. For those registering for Individual Modules, if payment is not received at least two days before the module date, we reserve the right to cancel your registration.